Naqvi calls on ulema to strengthen state’s anti-terrorism narrative

Says nationwide coordination among mosques, seminaries, and religious boards may play key role in countering terrorism

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday called for stronger coordination between the state and religious scholars, urging them to play a unifying role in countering terrorism, social disorder, and fitna, while supporting a single national message of peace and stability.

Speaking at the Special Paigham-e-Aman Committee meeting in Islamabad alongside Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, he urged scholars to support the state's narrative against terrorism by issuing clear religious guidance based on Islamic teachings.

“First of all, on terrorism, I would like to request you to give fatwas and statements that strengthen us, that you are standing with us in the fight against terrorism,” he said. He added that scholars should refer to the Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic history to explain how fitna that weakens the state is addressed in Islam.

“Through the history of Islam and Hadith, if any fitna arises that weakens your state, how should it be handled, and what are its consequences?” he said, adding that the public should also be guided on how Islam addresses those who oppose or challenge the state in the context of terrorism or other forms of disorder.

Naqvi said the platform should be strengthened into a national-level forum involving all religious boards and seminaries. He recalled that a similar proposal had earlier been shared in Punjab, suggesting that the initiative be expanded nationwide.

“If, on one topic, 22,000 mosques are delivering a single message, there cannot be a stronger message from Pakistan,” he said, adding that the inclusion of all madrassa boards had already strengthened the forum.

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He further stressed that the committee should not remain limited to occasional religious periods but should function throughout the year through a structured coordination system.

“We will establish a coordinator. We need ulema throughout the year, not only in Ramazan or Rabiul Awwal,” he said, adding that monthly meetings should be institutionalised and regular engagement ensured.

The minister said many tensions in society arise from a lack of focus on shared priorities. “In my personal analysis, when we all focus on ourselves and stop looking at others, many of our issues will be resolved,” he said.

He added that states do not permit hate speech or disrespect toward other religions or sects, stressing the importance of responsible public messaging.

Naqvi said that in regional crisis situations, Pakistan’s leadership structure played a decisive role in managing outcomes, comparing it to a team system where strategy is set at the top and execution happens on the ground.

“There is a leader, there is a captain. The leader gives direction, makes a strategy, gives final approval, and then the captain and the team go into the field to achieve results,” he said.

Referring to US-Iran tensions, he credited coordinated leadership for preventing escalation and described the role of Pakistan’s top leadership in the process.

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The interior minister specifically referred to the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying that his credibility and trustworthiness were recognised by all sides involved, which allowed him to play a key role in communication and de-escalation efforts.

He said both sides placed confidence in his neutrality, which helped Pakistan facilitate engagement during a sensitive phase of the crisis.

Naqvi also described the mediation process in detail, saying he was present in Tehran alongside the Iranian chief negotiator during high-level discussions aimed at preventing escalation. He said the situation at that time was extremely volatile, with diplomatic efforts running alongside imminent military preparations.

According to his account, at one stage the crisis had reached a point where escalation appeared imminent, with military assets already on alert. He said that in this critical phase, “jets were on standby and prepared for possible strikes, and missiles were ready,” while negotiations continued simultaneously in Tehran.

He added that only a very short window remained before potential military action, but continuous engagement with the Iranian side’s chief negotiator helped keep communication open.

Through sustained backchannel diplomacy and urgent engagement, he said, the situation was pulled back from the brink and escalation was averted.

Naqvi concluded that the Paigham-e-Aman Committee should function as a continuous national platform for unity, peace, and stability. Chaudhry also addressed the meeting and supported stronger coordination between the state and religious scholars.